Seminary

So here's a church calling I never thought I would have... teaching early morning seminary. Especially when you consider who an ideal seminary teacher is... someone who knows the scriptures inside and out, someone who enjoys Isaiah, and someone who doesn't have a demanding job. Well, all of that aside, I was asked to teach it and I said yes. The class has high school freshmen through seniors and this year is focused on the Old Testament.

Some quick info about it:
- it starts at 6:10 a.m.
- we have it at the local high school
- we don't have very many students, but they are good kids
- I am realizing that I have totally forgotten what it is like to be a teenager
- and you better have a sense of humor when you teach the Old Testament.

What a Bank!

So when flowers show up congratulating you on the birth of your new born son, who do you expect it to come from? Family & Friends, right? So imagine how surprised we were when our bank sent us these to recognize Asher's birth! 

Needless to say, we're pretty satisfied customers of the Bank of Missouri.

Daniela's Family Comes to Say Hello

Uncle Ben...

Both grandma's in the pool...

Family trip to Andy's...

Surgery after the vicious turtle bite...

Learning To Be a Dad

Remembering those first few days...

1. When the nursery was set up... but empty

 2. Mom's very short first walk afer the hospital...

3. Swaddling you tight... and loving the swaddles with velcro!

4. Taking you on walks around the neighborhood

5. Taking you on your first adventure... to meet horses, chickens, and cats...

End of our Time in the YSA

In May 2013, while we were in the process of moving from Columbia to Cape, we were asked if we would serve in the Young Single Adult (YSA) branch of our church. When we shared the news that Daniela was pregnant, we received word that we would be released from the YSA branch. That happened on August 23, 2015.

We learned a lot by serving there.... including that

1. We are grateful to have each other.... and

2. We can prepare meals for up to 25 people without too much hassle.

Holding YOUR Child

I think that middle word is the most important. When Josh Asher was born I had a total of 19 nieces and nephews, many of whom I saw regularly. I love my nieces and nephews but it is nothing compared to the love that I had for my child when I held him for the first time. The best I can figure is the difference is the child is yours.

I love that moment, much more than I even expected I would! To hold a new life, to hold your child, to grab your son’s little fingers, to feel the responsibility that you are his dad, but the privilege that he is your son.

Holding your newborn child does some funny things to you; it reshuffles your life. Your priorities just got rearranged, and guess who is on top? Someone who didn’t even exist a few hours ago. And while my work and clients are important, my spectrum of importance just expanded beyond a level I knew just a short time ago. But it is all in a good way. I like activities that make me feel significant. Never have I felt any more significant than holding a newborn and thinking he’s mine.

Hello John Asher

Crazy day... but at the end of it Daniela Cisternas McMullin is awesome. We are so happy to have all 8 pounds and 9 ounces of Asher with us. What a blessing! Thanks for your love and support. We are glad to have a new member of our family!

And we love this little hat... hand made by volunteers at the hospital... and perfect for our little boy.